Shouldn’t the Air and Space Museum be empty?
06-24 5-4-06 Jeep Rollover
White Knuckle Hill Behind the Rocks
502 was paged, GCSAR was paged and St Mary’s helicopter was paged.
This female rolled straight over forward going down a big step.
There was a 5 point harness in the rig but she had on only a lap belt
according to reports. She suffered a head laceration, was semiconscious
for awhile and had some rib pain.
St Mary’s helo got there first and tended to the scene. 502 and SAR
were close when the helo took off. We met some of the party on their way
out and got the details.
Scott 1 T 17 and the helo communicated on UHP Statewide.
On the way out we scouted some of the other possible approach roads
to White Knuckle.
Responders: Bego, Lee, Steve, Lee, John, Barbara, Jon
These next three incidents were happening at the same time---
06-25 5-6-06 ATV Rollover
Kane Creek Trail
We were paged to this call. Some said we shouldn’t go cuz it’s San
Juan County but they requested we go. Then San Juan told us they would
take care of it. A while later, they said they had battery trouble and
couldn’t make it and besides they may have another rescue to do. Then 502
requested a litter Ranger. So we lost a hour and a half and went after
all.
On the way down canyon, we had to pass many vehicles on the mostly
one lane road. This is listed as a 3 difficulty trail. And it was this
gentleman’s first ATV experience.
CareFlight had been paged also cuz of his reported injuries. Would
there be an LZ in the steep, narrow canyon? We also had a radio link from
scene thru 502 to the SO. This was invaluable.
Yes. Just a hundred yards from the incident. Luckily there was no
wind. At this time the radio traffic began for the next incident.
We wheeled him down to the helo and away he went.
Responders: Frank, Bego, Rex, Steve, James, Lee, Jeff, Jim,
Barbara, Margy, Cody, Duckie
06-26 5-6-06 Motorcycle Rollover
Hurrah Pass
The radio traffic that began during the previous incident led us to
believe this incident could use the helicopter also. So we gave the pilot
the coordinates and he flew over to Hurrah Pass.
GCSAR had responded with the other Litter Ranger and Bronco to
deliver EMTs to the scene. It was a motorcyclist with hip injuries. Cody
landed the helo.
The EMTs rode back with the Deputy as the Ranger was speeding off
to the next incident.
Responders: Frank, Barbara, Cody, Duckie
As the helo lifted off, the next incident began and the pilot asked if he
needed to go there too. Said he had enuff fuel. That would make 3 medical
subjects, the helo’s max.
06-27 5-6-06 Mtn Bike Rollover
Klondike Bluffs
This female went over the handlebars and sustained stomach pain and was
nauseated. GCSAR transported EMTs to the patient and transported everyone
out to the ambulance.
Responders: Frank, Rex, Jim, Matt, Cody, Duckie
------------------------------------------------------------------
How far to the bottom: Drop a rock, use
stopwatch for time,
Stop the time when you HEAR the rock hit
Distance = 11t2 + 8.9 t - 7.7
------------------------------------------------------------------
06-28 5-6-06 Search for missing
7 year old girl In Moab
Moab Fire Dept and GCSAR were paged by the Moab Police Dept to
search for a missing 7 yr old girl, gone from Swanney City Park for "2
hours."
Emergency Manager Corky Brewer and John Flahie took the reigns and
we assembled at HMK parking lot for assignments. About a half hour later
the girl turned up at a friends house, several blocks away.
Responders: Frank, Rex, Bego Nancy, Mike, Sam, Dave, Jim, Barbara,
Lee, Margy, Cody, Duckie, Steve
06-29 5-7-06 Motorcyclist Down
Determination Towers
Reported as an ATV accident with broken and angulated ankle just NW
of Determination Towers. EMS requested us, way later than should have, to
help in locating this accident scene.
502 did the work.
Responders: Frank, Jim, Lee, Cody, Steve browndogs
------------------------------------------------------------------
An excellent set of opinions from the SARBC Rope Rescue Forums----->>
Safety Factor or Dogma Nov 22, 2005
From:Riversong
> The whole point of 15:1 is to account for possible snafus.
The whole point of 15:1 is to account for a high level of incompetence. It
cannot be justified by any other rationale.
> I would never hang on ropes with a 10Kn mbs when I could easily have
30Kn.
By that logic, why would you use a 30kn rope when you could just as easily
use a 60kn rope? We don't because using oversized equipment becomes more
cumbersome and hence less safe
> I just don't see why not use a 15:1 safety factor it's just safer.
Is it? The National Cave Rescue Commission uses a 10:1 SF. The Mountain
Rescue Association uses a 10:1 SF. Australian mountain rescue employs an
8:1 SF. Rocky Mountain Rescue, the oldest continuous mountain rescue group
in the US has been using goldline ropes and single rope technique (no
belay line) without incident for more than 50 years.
These are the groups that have set the standard for safe practice in
extreme environments and have a far better safety record than the fire
service.
The fact is that even a 15:1 SF will not compensate for incompetence,
insufficient training, inadequate experience, and poorly maintained
equipment.
The only realistic safety factor is competence, not arbitrary mathematical
ratios.
- Robert Riversong aVERT - a Vertical Emergency Response Training
-----------------------
Safety Factor or Dogma Nov 25 2005 From:irv lichtenstein
Training always beats dogma. However, lawyers trump training. The MRA can
use single rope and low ratios all it wants but the day they do have an
accident some lawyer will contrast their 50 years of experience against
the NFPA dogma and the case will probably go to the Supreme Court if any
federal issue (OSHA?) can be brought to bear.
Personally, I think 11MM is fine, I prefer two rope over single rope, and
what I think of the NFPA is not publishable. But I don't run the world,
and unfortunately neither do any of us on this forum, so we do what our
lawyers and insurance companies say we must to follow best practices and
minimize risk.
- irv lichtenstein
ilichten1@verizon.net
-----------------------
Safety Factor or Dogma Nov 26, 2005
From:Mark
NFPA does not prohibit single rope techniques nor does it specify a safety
factor. NFPA does not say that you can not use 11mm rope for rescue. In
fact, the 1983 standard does specify that it is not a user standard but
rather, a manufacturer's standard. The dogma does not come from NFPA but
from instructors who are still referencing the 1983 standard from two
revisions ago. There was some interesting discussion at ITRS about this
issue this year. It is amazing how many people do not know what the 1983
standard actually says.
-----------------------
Safety Factor or Dogma Nov 28 2005 13:48 From:Riversong
> Training always beats dogma. However, lawyers trump training.
BULL SH*T
>The MRA can use single rope and low ratios all it wants but the day they
do have an accident some lawyer will contest their 50 years of experience
against the NFPA dogma
And that lawyer will lose since far more accidents occur during rescue
performed in compliance with NFPA
> But I don't run the world, and unfortunately neither do any of us on
this forum, so we do what our lawyers and insurance companies say we must
to follow best practices and minimize risk.
Excuse me, but even though the Bush cabal is doing their best to create a
fascist state, I have not abdicated my sovereignty to anyone, least of all
lawyers and the insurance mafia.
Lawyers don't know sh*t about best practices. WE are the experts and any
rescue practitioner who does not practice what s/he knows to be best
practice is negligent.
- Robert, of the sovereign Republic of Vermont
-----------------------
Safety Factor or Dogma Nov 28, 2005
From:RobK
It ain't the lawyers - it's the expert witnesses that both sides will call
to argue best practice.
The winning side's expert(s) become the de facto source of interpreting
best practices. If NFPA xxxx (or any other standard for that matter) gets
interpreted as the best practices user standard enough times it won't
matter if it is best practice, a user standard, etc. or not. It will be
perceived that way and become THE word....
-----------------------
Safety Factor or Dogma Apr 22, 2006
From:Doc Ryan
The problem I see is that bureaucrats set the rescue agenda for most
states, and they are woefully uninformed about both the scientific method,
data availability, and current technologies. I have spent the last 35
years of my life in the fire and rescue services in different capacities,
and find it far more frequently a swamp of ignorance and close-mindedness,
than an environment which welcomes change, investigation of new
technologies and methodologies, or reevaluation of old mythologies and
practices.
I train emergency response teams in industry, and because management is
not contaminated with the ancient superstitions of fire and rescue service
traditions and rigid thinking, they tend to accept a more progressive
approach to rescue technology and techniques. But even in industrial
response training, we find some degree of resistance from members of the
class who are members of volunteer rescue and fire departments in their
communities, and whose perceptions have been shaped by the obsolete
notions of state rescue courses.
I think it is critical for innovative practioners, such as I have observed
participating in this forum, to formulate guidelines that encourage a
broader flexibility on the discipline of rescue. There has to be an
association of professionals who see room for differences of opinion in
the field, rather than the usual petty dictators who foist their own
prejudices on the discipline. There must be a band of knowledgable
practicianers who hold aloft the lantern of scientific reason, and the
application of rational risk assessment to our chosen profession.
It would be a worthy legacy for those of us who would like to see the
field move away from the morass of ignorance so often found in our
profession, to be the instruments for fostering a voice that encourages
change, a formal organization based upon powers of rationality and
science, which advances the field, rather than freezes it in a dark ages
mired in tradition.
------------------------------------------------------------------
GCSAR - Lead Climbing Kit Blue
Pack # 4
Purchased 5-11-06 at Pagan Mountaineering, Moab, UT
Bluewater Accelerator 10.5 mm x 60 m
Single Rope
9.25 pounds
Impact Force: 8.0 kN
UIAA falls: 11
Sheath Elongation: 0 mm
Static Elongation: 7.2 % Dynamic Elongation: 31.8
%
Set of "Friends"
tech 5, forged 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.75, 1.5, 1.25, 1, 0.5
each with a BD Oval carabiner (11)
Set of "Camelots"
4, 3, 2, 1, .75, .5, .4,
each with a BD Light D carabiner (7)
Metolius "Powercams" 3, 2
each with a BD Light D carabiner (2)
1 Rental Harness- fits all
1 Petzl Niagara Harness- fits all
4 Descending Rings 23 kN
1 Metolius Double D Gear Sling
6 Yosemite QD Dyneema 24" runners with 2 Mammut 24 kN carabiners on
each
1 Petzl Gri-gri belay device
1 BD ATC-XP belay device
6 BD QS2 screwgate locking carabiners
6 1" webbing runners (72" cut, tied with Water Knot)
------------------------------------------------------------------
06-30 5-11-06 Biker Down
SRBT
Right at the north end of Swiss Cheese Ridge there is a short,
steep ramp down. Many bikers go over their handlebars here. This guy did
too and wrecked his shoulder.
We responded with the Litter Ranger, the 3 seat Ranger and 2 six
wheelers. Took the EMTs to the scene. The Pt rode back sitting up as per
usual for shoulder injuries.
Responders: Bego, Cody, James, Steve
06-31 5-13-06 One then Two
Dehydrated Mtn Bikers Porcupine Single Track
A third party report of a dehydrated biker 3/4 mile up the trail or
3/4 of the way up the trail.
GCSAR and EMTs started hiking up the trail and found not one but
two bikers in bad shape. An IV was started in one and he was escorted
down the trail. The fellow we were after walked out also, refusing the
ambulance. Responders: Frank, Cody, Aug, Lee, Margy, Steve, Bego
06-32 5-15-06 Hiker Bad Ankle
Just Above the Power Dam on Mill Creek
Slipped and fell. ETOH on board.
Responders: Bego, Lee, Margy, Aug John Flahie, 1 T 17
06-33 5-16-06 Motorcycle Down
Porcupine Rim
Paged out as near the top of the single track so we packed up for
the long hot hike. They gave us coordinates which turned out to be about 1
1/2 miles above the singletrack so we switched to the Polaris Rangers and
went in from the top.
Air Care out of Farmington was also paged. And Frank started hiking
up the trail.
GCSAR got there moments before the helo and Frank was close. The Pt
was flown to our hospital, later to be transferred to Grand Junction.
Broken scapula, clavicle, hemo-pneumothorax.
On the hike up, Frank met two women with 4 dogs and they all were
thirsty. They had hiked the entire trail. Yow..........
Responders: Bego, Frank, Cody, Lee, Aug
06-34 5-18-06 Search Tex’s
Riverways On the Banks of the Colorado River
TEX MC CLATCHY 1926 - 2006 "Find a place you like
and figure out how to live there."
Responder: Millie
To our Fellow River Runners,
We at Tex's Riverways are taking this time to contact all of you,
to inform you of the passing of our friend and founder Tex McClatchy.
After an extended illness Tex passed away at home, this week, in Moab, on
the banks of his beloved Colorado River. He is survived by his loving wife
Millie.
In 1991, as many of you may remember, the 3 D's bought Tex's
Riverways from Tex and Millie bringing an end to their colorful careers in
the recreation business. We have kept the business name "Tex's Riverways"
as a tribute to Tex and the 33 years of sweat and hard work he put into
establishing our company. We also acknowledge a debt of gratitude to both
Tex and Millie for the role they played in helping to establish the
recreation industry in Moab. Surely there are many who worked right along
with Tex during the early years, when Moab was still an unrecognized name
in a Tourist's vocabulary, but as a company who rides daily on Tex's coat
tails we cannot help but single him out in our moment of reflection.
Undoubtedly many of you have Tex stories to tell. Tex was just the
kind of man to inspire such things. Who could argue that Tex was "one of a
kind"? He was certainly a memorable personality to say the least. From
time to time, at various meetings and outfitter functions, some of you
have come to us and asked about Tex and Millie, about their well-being and
about their retirement. Communicating to all of you at this time seemed to
us not only appropriate, but necessary. It would also be appropriate for
those of you who know Millie and who would wish to convey your condolences
to do so. We would be pleased to be your messengers in this effort. Rather
than contacting Millie directly, at this time we feel it would be best if
you were to instead email your well wishes to us. We will print them off
and deliver them to her personally. If you would like to send a card to
Millie, our post office box number is listed below. It was Tex's desire
that there be no formal services or funeral.
Last fall Tex did a canoe trip with us. He floated Labyrinth and
Stillwater Canyon with a group of close friends and family. He told us
then that it was likely his final river trip, his last time to see the
Green River and his last jet boat ride home. Tex was a bit emotional that
last day on the river as were we. He briefly drove our jet boat and we
were happy to have given him that opportunity. The next time you put your
boat in the water we ask that you take a moment and remember Ol' Tex. Tex
loved what he did and he loved what you do. He will be missed.
Yours Respectfully, The Boys at Tex's Riverways, P.O.Box
67, Moab, UT 84532
-------------------------
The Times-Independent May 25, 2006
Warren Gordon "Tex" McClatchy, a legend among Colorado River outfitters,
died at his home along the Colorado River in Moab Valley on Thursday, May
18, 2006.
Tex was born on March 31, 1927, the son of Thomas DeWitt McClatchy and
Frances Hamilton McClatchy, and moved to Moab in the 1950s to teach
school, along with his wife Joy. The lure of the river caught him soon
after his arrival and he left teaching to make his life on the river. He
and Joy, who raised three daughters, were later divorced.
Tex's Riverways became one of Moab's first river companies. Tex introduced
large jet boats to the Moab scene, which traveled the section downstream
on a daily basis. Later, they added canoes to the company, and carried
customers to Green River for trips down the Green River to the confluence
with the Colorado, where passengers and their canoes were loaded onto
large jet boats for the return trip to Moab.
Tex was an accomplished pilot, and owned private aircraft most of his
adult life. At one time he even flew a pontoon plane from his dock near
Courthouse Wash. Tex and his second wife Millie, did a lot of traveling in
the Southwest together, and he stayed active until the end. They sold
their very successful river company a number of years ago, which provided
time for more travel. The company is still active and successful.
A memorial for Tex is pending.
An informal "remember Tex" Party was put on by his 3 daughters at the Elks
Lodge, June 5th. Pictures, news clippings, a video and quite a varied
bunch of folks
------------------------------------------------------------------
06-35 5-19-06 Biker Down
SRBT
Over the handlebars and on to his head. Reported neck pain. Two
Rangers, 2 EMTs, per usual.
A physician, he said his neck was not broken. Turns out he did have
a broken neck.
Responders: Bego, Rex, Lee, Jon, James, TBerry, Steve
------------------------------------------------------------------
TEN ESSENTIALS
Ten Essentials from the book--- " Desert Sense " by Bruce Grubbs
1) Hydration 2) Navigation
3) Sun Protection 4) Fire 5)
Illumination
6) First Aid 7) Repair Kit w/ Knife 8) Nutrition
9) Insulation 10) Shelter
Ten Essentials from The Mountaineers, oldest mountaineering org in the
west, in Washington:
1) Navigation 2) Sun Protection 3) Insulation 4)
Illumination 5) First Aid
6) Fire 7) Repair kit, tools 8)
Nutrition 9) Hydration 10) Emergency Shelter
Ten Essentials from the Mesa County, CO team
1) Map, Compass, Whistle 2) Water
3) Fire
4) Shelter 5) First Aid
6) Pocket Knife 7)
Flashlight 8) Warm / Rain Clothing 9) Food
10)Eye Protection
Ten Essentials- (Satire)
1) Latte machine 2) Umbrella
3) XM radio 4) Wireless Internet
5) An attitude
6) Rock Crawler mag 7) Map (new, unused) 8) Dorky TShirt 9) Dorky Bumper
Sticker 10) Beer, possibly some water
------------------------------------------------------------------
From:
Mark_Pita@nps.gov May 22,2006
Subject: glue doesn't stick
At one of the ISKY training sites, I noticed that one of the Petzl
glue-in bolts I installed two years ago was rotating. With a hammer, Ken
Phillips and I were able to easily manipulate the bolt by twisting it and
it came out of its hole. It appeared the spot where I set it tended to
collect some water, perhaps holding moisture more than average. The bolt
came out pretty clean - not much glue or sandstone sticking to it. Which
made me wonder how good of a bond is truly formed in any condition in
sandstone...
Of the 20 other glue-ins I installed, the remainder appeared to be
in good condition. But they can't be checked the way a mechanical
expansion bolt can (as you know). > Some food for thought..... Mark
------------------------------------------------------------------
06-36 5-26-06 Biker Down
Porcupine Rim
A bad cell phone connection revealed only that a biker was injured
1 to 2 miles "in from the north end at 128." So we packed up for a hike up
the singletrack. We met up with 2 bikers who had been biking with the
subject. They said he was about a half mile in on the road part, not on
the singletrack. He had injured his scrotum when his bicycle seat came
off.
So we went back to the Shed and exchanged hiking kits for the ATVs
and went to the roadhead. We bumped along to the end of the road and had
no contact with the subject. Dispatch said the subject hadn’t checked in
at the hospital and his car was still there (his friends had moved it
there for him). So where was he? The EMTs started hiking down the trail
and we turned around to head back.
Twenty minutes later, 1 T 8 reported the subject had just arrived
at the Hwy 128 parking lot. He was walking VERY slowly. Self rescue is
good too. He was part of a church group who had ridden the Slickrock Bike
Trail in the morning, rafted all day and started Porcupine tired and late.
We got back to town at dawn.
Responders: Bego, Steve, Dave, Cody, Duckie, Sam
Bill Finch, BLM 2, from El Centro, CA
06-37 5-28-06 River Rescue
Rocky Rapid
A tipped over canoe with 4 persons stranded on an island.
Duckie transported subject to shore on a jet ski. A 2nd person
paddled the canoe to shore. Everyone was warmed up.
Responders: Dave, Frank, Duckie, Cody, James, Steve, Shawn
Friday June 2nd: National Donut Day--> Why is it not
not a paid day off?
06-38 6-4-06 Broken Elbow
Hell’s Revenge
An ATV accident causing a broken elbow on Hell’s Revenge Trail way
out by Icebox Canyon. We responded with 2 Rangers taking EMTs and the RP
to the scene. Pt was Rangered out to the ambulance.
Responders: Frank, Lee, Mike, Cody
06-39 6-4-06 Fallen Hiker
La Sal Mountains
We were paged to the La Sal Mtns for an individual caught in an
"avalanche." 805 requested the winter rescue team and to notify San Juan
County. RP said subject caught in a rock slide on the NW corner of Mt. Tuk-No,
about timberline. He was "banged up and very bloody."
Basecamp was just up road from Pack Creek CG. ATVs transported
GCSAR and EMTs to high camp where the hiking part started. Hiked with San
Juan’s team up to 10,000 feet elevation. Upon reaching the subject, he had
died since the RP had left him to go for help.
San Juan SAR set up a technical litter lower on the steep slide
rock. Then by wheel and litter, ATV and and on down the mountain.
Responders: Frank, Mike, Matt, Aug, Cody
Also: Dave Madera from Winter Rescue Team, Murray
Shoemaker A 242
6 members of SJSAR
and a SJ Co Deputy
------------------------------------------------------------------
A Desert Haiku --> Drought
Even the wind
Searches for water
------------------------------------------------------------------
06-40 6-6-06 Overdue Hiker
Archview CG
This 65 year old female was three hours overdue from a one hour
hike east of the Archview area.
Nancy and search dog Shalla were on their way even before the rest
of us were paged.
The woman walked in to view just as Shalla went to work. We were
10-22d. She had been confused about some changes in the roads she was used
to walking on and took the long but sure way home.
Responders: Bego, Nancy, Shalla, Kris, Lee, Aug
06-41 6-11-06 River Something
River nothing 10-22
Responders: Rex, Lee, Kris
06-42 6-11-06 Boat Flip
Westwater Canyon Fatality
Unpaged
Private trip. 2 rafts. 14 foot Hyside self-bailer flipped in
lateral wave at top right of Staircase Rapid. 48 year old female lost hold
of the boat, floating downstream. The 2nd boat caught up to her, 2 people
administered CPR to no avail.
GCSAR responded with the River Rescue boat at the request of 1 T 9
to possibly rescue one person still unaccounted for. Just before dark, the
BLM Ranger boat came in to Cisco Landing with that person.
Responders: 1 T 9, 1 T 6, 1 T 2, Bego, Nancy, Margy, Kris
06-43 6-13-06 Urban Search with Dog
Nancy and Shalla were called out late at night to go find a guy who
had wandered away from home. A deputy trailed the subject’s blood spots a
few blocks.
Nancy and Shalla the wonder dog followed his trail, including over
a fence, away from his home. About then, the Sheriff found the subject
walking back up toward home.
Responders: Nancy and Shalla the Search Dog
------------------------------------------------------------------
SWEAT
by Nancy May
The study of 100 cities estimates the amount of sweat a person of average
weight and height would produce walking around for an hour in the average
high temperatures of a particular city during June, July and August.
The latest survey found that the average Phoenix resident produced
26 ounces (0.77 liter) of sweat per hour during a typical summer day last
year when the desert city's high temperature averaged 93.3 F (34 C).
------------------------------------------------------------------
06-44 6-17-06 Vehicle in
Colorado River
A (stolen) vehicle in the river as reported by a boating party
passing by. The vehicle was totally submerged except for the roof rack and
it was not known if anyone was in it.
The SAR boat transported a diver to the vehicle who searched it and
found no one. Operation called off due to darkness. Vehicle pulled out by
tow truck next day.
Responders: Frank, Nancy, John, Mike Kris
06-45 6-24-06 Stranded Boater
Colorado River Westwater Room of Doom
The Room of Doom has quite a reputation. Depending on the water
level and the skill of the oarsman running Skull Rapid, the Room can be
bypassed safely or you can flip on the Rock of Shock and be tossed upside
down into it. Or, your boat can flip and go downstream but you wind up in
the Room. This was the case here.
It was pretty late in the day when we got word of this and after
sunset by the time we got to Cisco Take-out. We ran our boat up river by
spot lights to the bottom of the last rapid with no contact. By then, the
Park Service had been contacted and their big diesel jet boat was on the
way.
Kyler Carpenter, the awesome, drove that boat right up river, also
by spot light, up running 4 rapids and right in to the Room of Doom where
our subject stepped on to the boat.
We had alerted the BLM Westwater Ranger who was to come down river at
first light. We had also sent an overland hiking team to make contact if
the river route was unsuccessful.
The pair of boaters were reunited at 2:30 am.
Responders: Frank, Bego, Mike, Nancy, Jon, Margy, Kris
NPS: Kyler Carpenter, Steve Young
------------------------------------------------------------------
From Nancy May via her Colorado SAR friends: An e-mail sent to many SAR
members and teams:
I'm writing this as a handout for future use by PIO's, IC's and MLSO
etc.,instructors, as well as the media and other interested parties ...
the numbers I'm using are likely not accurate, but should be close to the
actuals.
Who found Evan? WARNING --
climbing onto my soapbox ... by George Janson
At the time of this writing, Evan is an 8 year old boy who was the
subject of a four day search in southern Colorado in May 2006. He was
found alive and healthy by the collective effort of a TEAM of 233 people
from 27 different agencies throughout those four days. Many of these
individuals and agencies were there for multiple days, and in some cases
all of the days, yet they were not the 'fortunate' one to be 'credited'
with the find.
That a particular Team, and a particular individual on that Team,
is singled out as having 'found' Evan does, in my opinion, a disservice to
the dozens of other Teams and individuals who participated. The particular
person who 'found' Evan is just a matter of happenstance -- it could have
easily been a different person from a different searching team who
happened to be in the right place at the right time to actually make
contact with Evan.
As Incident Commander on the day of the find, I was just the
fortunate one who was orchestrating the search that day -- which I was
doing based upon the accumulated efforts of the people involved the
preceding three days, plus the efforts of those out searching on the day
of the find. From the start it was a multi-jurisdictional search, and the
successful culmination was the result of a cumulative TEAM effort. Search
and rescue in Colorado is not a Rambo response, rather it is a TEAM effort
-- everyone is essential -- everyone contributes to that successful find.
This is also why we manage a search -- to put the right resource in
the right area in time to make a difference (or at least provide a closure
in less fortunate circumstances). In my opinion, we, the Colorado search
and rescue community, need to focus the attention of the media on the
totality of the effort. As for them wanting to interview the actual first
person who located Evan, we need that person to also emphasize that it was
the TEAM effort that put them in position to accomplish the find.
From the Times Independent:
Our governor declared June 18-24 as Lightning Safety Awareness
Week. Lightning kills 67 people per year in the USA. Tornadoes kill 65 per
year. Each bolt of lightning can reach over 5 miles, be 50,000 degrees hot
and produce 100-million volts of electricity. At any moment, there are
1,800 lightning storms somewhere on the planet.
To be safe, the "professionals" advise:
Lightning can strike as far away as 10 miles from
the actual rain storm.
You are in danger from lightning if you can hear
thunder.
Ten percent of strike victims die; 70 per cent
suffer serious long term effects.
Most people struck by lightning are not in the
rain part of the storm.
Go indoors or in a car well before the rain..
Two thirds of Utah’s 1900 wild land fires each year are lightning
started.
------------------------------------------------------------------
06-46 6-29-06 Primal Quest Racer
Down with Heat Stroke Pritchett Canyon
This call came to us from Primal Quest because they couldn’t locate
their helicopter for a minute.
We responded to Pritchett Canyon with ATV and Ranger. By then the
PQ helo had been located and was en route. the racer was taken to Allen
Memorial Hospital where he was encased in ice immediately. "3rd stage heat
stroke."
Responders: Frank, Bego, Lee
06-47 6-30-06 Primal Quest
Helicopter Down Mary Jane Canyon
This was first reported to Primal Quest HQ by some of the racers
who were on a nearby rock pinnacle. We responded with ATV and Ranger and
were headed for Professor Valley Ranch staging area. We were just out of
town when word came back that all persons walked away no problem and their
other helo was on the way. 10- 22.
It was described as a "hard landing," something about the tail
rotor.
Responders: Bego, Lee, Mike, Rex